Cappadocia is more than just fairy chimneys and hot air balloons—it’s also a fantastic place to shop for authentic Turkish handicrafts, locally made souvenirs, and unique artisanal products.
Whether you’re looking for handwoven carpets, traditional pottery, Cappadocian wines, or handmade jewelry, the region offers an incredible variety of locally crafted goods that reflect its rich culture and heritage.
From the bustling bazaars of Göreme and Ürgüp to the pottery workshops of Avanos and the boutique stores in Uçhisar, shopping in Cappadocia is a memorable experience. Many of the items here are made by skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations, making each purchase one-of-a-kind.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best shopping areas in Cappadocia, the most popular souvenirs and specialty items, and insider tips to ensure you get the best value for your money. Whether you’re a serious collector or just looking for a small keepsake, this guide will help you navigate where and what to buy in Cappadocia!
Best Areas & Places to Shop in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a shopper’s paradise, offering a variety of local markets, artisan boutiques, and specialty stores where you can find authentic, handcrafted souvenirs.
From pottery and carpets to jewelry and leather goods, each town in Cappadocia has its own unique shopping scene, making it easy to find something special to take home. Here are the best areas and places to shop in Cappadocia:
1. Avanos – The Heart of Pottery & Ceramics
If you’re looking for authentic Cappadocian pottery, Avanos is the place to go. Known for its centuries-old pottery-making tradition, this town is filled with pottery studios, workshops, and boutiques selling handcrafted ceramic pieces made from the red clay of the Kızılırmak River.
️ Where to Shop in Avanos:
✔️ Chez Galip – One of the most famous pottery studios in Cappadocia, offering both traditional and modern ceramic pieces
✔️ Avanos Pottery Workshops – Many local artisans allow visitors to watch live demonstrations or try making their own pottery
✔️ Handmade Ceramic Boutiques – Explore various shops selling painted bowls, vases, candle holders, and decorative plates
Shopping Tip: Many pottery shops offer customization, so you can have your name or a special message engraved on your ceramic piece.
2. Ürgüp – Best for Carpets, Jewelry, & Handicrafts
Ürgüp is a fantastic shopping destination for those looking to purchase handwoven carpets, Turkish kilims, and intricate jewelry.
This town is known for its historic bazaars and high-quality artisan products, making it a great place to invest in an authentic, handmade souvenir.
️ Where to Shop in Ürgüp:
✔️ Turkish Carpet & Kilim Shops – A variety of stores sell handwoven carpets with geometric and floral motifs
✔️ Ziggy Café & Shop – A well-known boutique offering handmade jewelry, silver and copper crafts, and elegant home decor
✔️ Antique & Handicraft Shops – Browse through handmade textiles, leather bags, and unique souvenirs
Shopping Tip: If you’re buying a Turkish carpet, make sure to ask about the weaving techniques and origin—genuine handmade pieces take months to create.
3. Göreme – A Great Mix of Artisanal Shops & Local Boutiques
Göreme is one of the busiest towns in Cappadocia, and it’s packed with local shops selling pottery, textiles, and handcrafted goods. Whether you’re looking for a small keepsake or a statement piece for your home, Göreme has something for every budget.
️ Where to Shop in Göreme:
✔️ Goreme Pottery Center – A must-visit for hand-painted ceramics with intricate Anatolian patterns
✔️ Pumpkin Göreme – A boutique specializing in handmade ceramics, textiles, and decorative souvenirs
✔️ Art & Handmade Craft Stores – A variety of small galleries sell Cappadocian-inspired artwork, jewelry, and home decor
Shopping Tip: If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, check out handwoven tablecloths, pillow covers, and embroidered textiles that are locally crafted.
4. Uçhisar – The Best Place for Luxury & Boutique Shopping
For a more refined shopping experience, Uçhisar is home to high-end boutiques and artisan galleries offering one-of-a-kind, luxury souvenirs. Located near Uçhisar Castle, this area is known for its specialty shops featuring local artists and craftspeople.
️ Where to Shop in Uçhisar:
✔️ Handmade Jewelry Stores – Featuring silver, copper, and semi-precious gemstones
✔️ Boutique Home Decor Shops – Selling traditional Cappadocian lamps, woven textiles, and unique ceramics
✔️ Luxury Carpet & Kilim Shops – Offering museum-quality pieces with detailed craftsmanship
Shopping Tip: Many shops in Uçhisar offer shipping services, so if you’re buying a large carpet or delicate ceramics, you can have them safely delivered to your home.
5. Ortahisar – Off-the-Beaten-Path Shopping for Authentic Souvenirs
Ortahisar is a hidden gem for shopping, offering a quieter and more local experience. This town is less commercialized than Göreme and Ürgüp, making it a great place to find authentic handicrafts at lower prices.
️ Where to Shop in Ortahisar:
✔️ Local Artisan Workshops – Many craftsmen sell handmade leather goods, wooden carvings, and pottery
✔️ Dried Fruit & Spice Shops – A great place to buy dried apricots, figs, and Turkish spices
✔️ Traditional Markets – Selling handwoven scarves, organic soaps, and Turkish delights
Shopping Tip: Bargaining is common in smaller shops, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better price.
What to Buy in Cappadocia? Best Souvenirs & Unique Gifts
Cappadocia is not just about breathtaking landscapes and fairy chimneys—it’s also home to an incredible variety of handmade crafts, textiles, and gourmet delights.
From centuries-old pottery traditions to handwoven carpets, gemstone jewelry, and world-class wines, this region offers a shopping experience unlike any other.
Ceramics & Pottery – A Signature Craft of Cappadocia
Cappadocia is famous for its handcrafted ceramics, a tradition that dates back thousands of years. The town of Avanos is the center of pottery making, where artisans use red clay from the Kızılırmak (Red River) to create beautiful ceramic pieces.
Best Ceramic Souvenirs to Buy:
✔️ Hand-painted plates & bowls featuring traditional Iznik tulip designs
✔️ Decorative vases & candle holders with intricate Anatolian patterns
✔️ Testi (Clay Jugs) – Used for cooking the famous Testi Kebab
Where to Buy:
- Chez Galip – A renowned pottery studio offering traditional and modern ceramic designs
- Avanos Seramik – Specializing in hand-painted ceramics
- Kapadokya El Sanatları – A local artisan collective selling one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces
Pottery Workshops in Avanos – Make Your Own Masterpiece
For a more hands-on experience, visitors can take a pottery workshop in Avanos. Many studios offer interactive classes, where you can learn the traditional techniques of Cappadocian pottery and even create your own ceramic piece to take home.
What to Expect:
✔️ Hands-on clay shaping & glazing techniques
✔️ Expert guidance from local artisans
✔️ A unique souvenir crafted by you!
Where to Experience:
- Traditional pottery workshops along Avanos’ main street
- Guray Museum of Ceramics and Pottery – An underground museum showcasing ancient and modern ceramic art
Guray Museum of Ceramics and Pottery
This is a private underground museum of ceramic and pottery located in Avanos.
Gemstone & Jewelry – Handmade Silver & Copper Designs
Cappadocia is also known for its exquisite gemstone jewelry, particularly in Avanos. Local artisans craft silver and copper pieces, often featuring precious and semi-precious stones such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, amethyst, and onyx.
Best Jewelry Souvenirs:
✔️ Filigree silver earrings & rings
✔️ Gemstone necklaces featuring Cappadocia hot air balloon charms
✔️ Handcrafted copper bracelets & pendants
Where to Buy:
- Avanos Gemstone Shops – Offering custom-made and hand-designed pieces
- Local bazaars in Ürgüp and Göreme
Carpets & Kilims – Handwoven Treasures
Turkish carpets and kilims (flat-woven rugs) are among the most prized handicrafts in Cappadocia. These textiles are made using traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations, making them a meaningful and long-lasting souvenir.
Types of Carpets to Buy:
✔️ Wool & Silk Carpets – Luxuriously soft and naturally dyed
✔️ Kilim Rugs – Lighter, more portable, and featuring geometric tribal designs
✔️ Prayer Rugs & Wall Hangings – Beautifully woven home decor pieces
Where to Buy:
- Carpet shops in Ürgüp & Avanos – Featuring handwoven and antique carpets
- Local weaving cooperatives – Where artisans demonstrate the weaving process
Hot Air Balloon Models – A Unique Keepsake
Cappadocia’s hot air balloon rides are legendary, and what better way to remember your experience than with a miniature hot air balloon model? These handcrafted souvenirs come in wood, glass, and metal designs, making them a fun and decorative gift.
Why Buy It?
✔️ A perfect reminder of your sunrise balloon ride
✔️ Hand-painted, customizable designs available
✔️ Great for home or office decor
Where to Buy:
- Souvenir shops in Göreme & Uçhisar
- Local artisan markets selling handcrafted versions
Wines – The Best Local Bottles to Bring Home
Cappadocia has been a wine-producing region for over 4,000 years, and its volcanic soil and high-altitude climate create exceptional wines. Whether you prefer bold reds or crisp whites, the region’s wineries offer a wide selection of flavors to enjoy back home.
Best Local Wines to Try:
✔️ Öküzgözü – A fruity and medium-bodied red wine
✔️ Boğazkere – A strong, tannic red with deep flavors
✔️ Narince – A refreshing and citrusy white wine
Where to Buy:
- Turasan Winery – Cappadocia’s oldest and most famous winery
- Kocabağ Winery – Known for its high-quality, small-batch wines
- Wine shops in Ürgüp & Göreme
